Asian Journal- The Filipino-American Community Newspaper

"WE seek dynamic leaders who are influential in their respective fields and local communities. It is important that we find these role models as powerful examples of women conducting extraordinary work to inspire our youth and future leaders," remarked Lieutenant Colonel Shirley Saoit Raguindin of the Arizona National Guard and 2009 Chair of the Filipina Women’s Network Search and Selection Committee of the 100 Most Influential Filipinas in the US. Being one of the first recipients of the prestigious award herself in 2007, Lt Col Shirley Raguindin perfectly embodies the Filipina role model doing extraordinary work to inspire the next generation.

In her position as State Diversity Officer for the Arizona National Guard (AZNG), Lieutenant Colonel Raguindin prepares and implements statewide goals, strategies, and plans to address the management and development of more than 8000 personnel through diversity initiatives. Under her leadership, the Arizona National Guard achieved a 400% increase in Department of Defense and National Guard Bureau nationwide recognition for diversity initiatives in 2007.

In November 2, 2007, she received the National Diversity Officer Leadership Award in Washington DC. The award, sponsored by Diversity Best Practices, the preeminent organization for diversity thought leaders, is given to leaders who exemplify outstanding ideas and support in promoting their organization as ambassadors to the community and their organization.

Raised in Hawaii, Shirley went to the University of Hawaii where she served as the Cadet Corps Commander for Detachment 175, Air Force Reserve Officer Training Corps at the University of Hawaii, Manoa. She earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Meteorology. Following her graduation as Distinguished Military Graduate in 1986, she was commissioned a Second Lieutenant and began active service in the U.S. Air Force. She earned a Masters degree in Public Administration from the University of Oklahoma .

Raguindin’s initial assignment began with the 475th Air Base Wing, Yokota Air Base, Japan where she served as Weather Wing Office and in 1989 served as Chief, Social Actions, 92nd Air Base Wing, Fairchild AFB, WA. Her staff earned the 1991 Strategic Air Command (SAC) Outstanding Social Actions of the Year award.

Joining the Arizona Air National Guard in 1992, Lt Col Raguindin was assigned to the 162nd Fighter Wing as Chief, Social Actions, and earned the ANG Outstanding Social Actions of the Year award. In 1994, she served as State Equal Employment Manager, Human Resources Office (HRO). Subsequently, she served on the Governor’s Equal Opportunity and Diversity Council, and served as Adjunct Instructor for the Defense Equal Opportunity Management Institute at Patrick AFB, FL.

In 1998, she was assigned as State Classification Specialist, HRO and in 1999 was hand-picked as Chief, Expeditionary Combat Support to develop and stand up of the newly established USAF Aerospace Expeditionary Forces (AEF) at Langley AFB, VA, Air Combat Command. She also served as Joint Staff Personnel Officer, US Pacific Command, HI.

In 2000, Shirley took command of the 162nd Fighter Wing Military Personnel Flight (MPF). During her tenure there, the Wing experienced its highest military readiness for their timely deployments as a result of the 9-11 terrorist attacks: Operations Noble Eagle & Enduring Freedom, Homeland Defense mobilizations, and Aerospace Expeditionary Force deployments. Through her leadership, the MPF earned "Excellent" ratings during the Air Education and Training Command’s Operational Readiness Inspection and Unit Compliance Inspection, both in 2001, and received national recognition with the receipt of the ANG Outstanding 2001 MPF of the Year award.

During 2002, she served as Director, United States Property & Fiscal Office, Joint Task Force for exercise COPPERDOME, ensuring continuity of Arizona State Government Executive Branch operations through successful accomplishment of the operation plan. She has served in the Arizona National Guard Human Resources Office as the Supervisory Human Resources Specialist in charge of Labor Relations.

Her military awards include the Meritorious Service Medal (4 awards), USAF Commendation Medal (2 awards), Achievement Medal (3 awards), USAF Organizational Excellence Award and the Joint Services Meritorious Service Medal.

In civilian life, Lt Col Raguindin also worked as a Pharmaceutical Engineer for Procter & Gamble from 1991 to 1994. She and her husband, Lieutenant Colonel Joe Berlanga, 162nd FW Senior Intel Officer who recently returned from a tour of duty to Iraq, make their home in Casa Grande, AZ. They have a son, Jesse. On her free time, Shirley mentors youth at high-risk schools in Arizona and Hawaii. (AJPress)